Sewerage 

Western Water manages over 1,000km of sewer mains.

The sewerage system’s function is to transfer sewage from customers’ properties to the treatment and recycling plants without spilling. This is best done by keeping the sewerage system clean.

Tree root penetration remains the main cause of sewer blockages across the region, made more prevalent due to the prolonged drought. When a problem occurs, our rapid response processes have reduced sewer rectification time down to an average of just 94 minutes.

The sewerage system is the pipe infrastructure responsible for transferring wastewater from your home to be treated to produce recycled water.

Many items disposed of in the sewerage system are difficult to treat and can harm the environment. Problems occur when people use the sink or toilet as a rubbish bin for toxic chemicals, organic materials and non-biodegradable products.

You can help to protect the environment and keep our waterways clean by being careful about what you flush down the toilet, sink or drain:

• Use environmentally friendly detergents and cleaning products
• Use a sink strainer to avoid food scraps going down the sink
• Avoid flushing items such as disposable nappies, sanitary products, condoms, surgical bandages and cotton buds down the toilet
• Avoid putting grease, paints, chemicals and pesticides down the drain.

 Fact Sheet: Tree Roots and Sewer Pipes - A Growing Concern (558 Kb)

If there is sewage flowing into your yard from the gully trap or a sewage spill due to a break in a pipe, try to avoid contact and immediately call Western Water on 1300 650 425 or a private plumber.

If you notice a blockage within your sewage system, try to determine whether it is internal or external. If a constant flow is seen coming from the gully trap (normally located near an outside wall of the building), this indicates the blockage is external. This is a Western Water issue and we will advise depot staff to visit your property.

If the flow is intermittent and is only noticed when a washing machine, toilet or shower is in use then this usually signifies an internal problem and you should contact a qualified plumber immediately.

• For information on safe disposal of household paints and chemicals contact Sustainability Victoria on 1800 353 233.
• To report a sewage spill, telephone 1300 650 425 or contact your plumber.

Watch our video: "Remember - just ones and twos down the loo".